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Protected Areas in United States

Discover

Protected Areas in United States

Protected Areas in United States

Protected Area Guide

The United States is home to a vast network of protected areas, safeguarding a diverse array of landscapes for conservation and recreation. These areas span the country, encompassing everything from coastal wetlands and redwood forests to rolling grasslands and rugged mountain terrain. The primary activities available within these protected areas include hiking, jogging, mountain biking, and cycling on both gravel and paved surfaces.

Protected Areas in United States

This collection of the best protected areas in United States features more…

10160

Routes

4.7

(11118)

Average rating

234K+

Explored with komoot

Last updated: April 23, 2026

4.6

(524)

6,151

hikers

#1.

Briar Summit Open Space Preserve

Briar Summit Open Space Preserve offers diverse terrain for hiking, jogging, and cycling, with nearly 360-degree views of Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.5

(235)

6,045

hikers

#2.

Old Saint Hilary'S Open Space Preserve

Old Saint Hilary'S Open Space Preserve offers 232 acres of varied terrain and multi-use trails for hiking, cycling, and jogging with expansive bay views.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.6

(171)

5,789

hikers

#3.

Baltimore Canyon Open Space Preserve

Baltimore Canyon Open Space Preserve features redwood groves, diverse woodlands, and Larkspur Creek, offering varied terrain for hiking, mountain biking, and jogging.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.7

(168)

5,593

hikers

#4.

King Mountain Open Space Preserve

King Mountain Open Space Preserve offers diverse landscapes for hiking and cycling, featuring panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay and Mount Tamalpais.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.6

(146)

4,749

hikers

#5.

Ring Mountain Open Space Preserve

Ring Mountain Open Space Preserve features distinctive geology, diverse landscapes, and panoramic Bay Area views, offering routes for hiking and cycling.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.7

(152)

4,563

hikers

#6.

Horse Hill Open Space Preserve

Horse Hill Open Space Preserve offers rolling hills and oak trees with panoramic views, providing varied terrain for hiking, cycling, and mountain biking.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.7

(140)

4,302

hikers

#7.

Camino Alto Open Space Preserve

Camino Alto Open Space Preserve offers diverse terrain with hilly fire roads and single-track paths through woodlands and grasslands for hiking, cycling, and jogging.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.7

(152)

4,264

hikers

#8.

Blithedale Summit Open Space Preserve

Blithedale Summit Open Space Preserve offers 639 acres of diverse landscapes with trails for hiking, cycling, and jogging, suitable for various activity levels.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.7

(257)

4,207

hikers

#9.

Moore Creek Upland Open Space Preserve

Moore Creek Upland Open Space Preserve offers diverse landscapes for hiking and mountain biking, featuring wildflower fields, oak woodlands, and coastal prairie.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.6

(107)

3,940

hikers

#10.

Alto Bowl Open Space Preserve

Alto Bowl Open Space Preserve offers diverse terrain with rolling hills, oak woodlands, and grasslands for hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling between Mill Valley and Corte Madera.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.7

(151)

3,696

hikers

#11.

Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve

Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve offers diverse landscapes for hiking and jogging, including cool canyons, ridge views, and woodlands.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.7

(112)

3,542

hikers

#12.

Ravenswood Open Space Preserve

Ravenswood Open Space Preserve is a 376-acre wetland in the San Francisco Bay, offering flat, accessible trails for cycling, hiking, and jogging.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.7

(159)

3,460

hikers

#13.

Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve (Closed Areas)

Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve (Closed Areas) offers over 18,000 acres of rugged Santa Cruz Mountains terrain for hiking, biking, and jogging.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.5

(107)

3,413

hikers

#14.

Bald Hill Open Space Preserve

Bald Hill Open Space Preserve features diverse landscapes, from grassy hills to oak woodlands, offering routes for hiking, jogging, and cycling with panoramic views.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.5

(153)

3,304

hikers

#15.

Fremont Older Open Space Preserve

Fremont Older Open Space Preserve offers 739 acres of rolling hills, woodlands, and grasslands with an extensive network of dirt trails for hiking, jogging, and mountain biking.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.6

(108)

3,298

hikers

#16.

Cascade Canyon Open Space Preserve

Cascade Canyon Open Space Preserve offers 504 acres of diverse terrain, including shady trails, year-round creeks, and a 20-foot waterfall for hiking and mountain biking.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.7

(121)

3,247

hikers

#17.

Mulholland Open Space Preserve

Mulholland Open Space Preserve offers diverse landscapes with paved and unpaved trails for hiking, cycling, mountain biking, and jogging.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.6

(96)

3,240

hikers

#18.

White Hill Open Space Preserve

White Hill Open Space Preserve offers diverse terrain from woodlands to grasslands, with an extensive trail system for hiking, jogging, and cycling.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.5

(168)

3,226

hikers

#19.

San Pedro Mountain Open Space Preserve

San Pedro Mountain Open Space Preserve offers rugged, steep terrain with diverse landscapes for hiking, cycling, and jogging, featuring expansive views.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.8

(215)

3,173

hikers

#20.

El Sereno Open Space Preserve (Closed Areas)

El Sereno Open Space Preserve (Closed Areas) offers diverse landscapes and fire roads for hiking, jogging, road cycling, and mountain biking with panoramic views.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

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Most popular routes in United States

Hiking in the United States of America

Nature to explore in United States

Forests in United States

Frequently Asked Questions

What are protected areas in the United States?

Protected areas in the United States are lands managed for conservation and recreation, including national parks, forests, and open space preserves. This collection aggregates over 100 such areas, featuring more than 9,900 routes for activities like hiking and cycling. These places range from coastal wetlands to redwood forests and rolling grasslands.

What types of activities are available in these protected areas?

The primary activities are human-powered, including hiking, road cycling, and mountain biking. This page features thousands of curated routes for these sports. Specific guides are also available for MTB Trails in the United States of America and Road Cycling Routes in the United States of America.

Which protected areas are featured on this page?

This page highlights a selection of protected areas, with a focus on open space preserves. Notable examples include Baltimore Canyon Open Space Preserve with its redwood groves, and Ravenswood Open Space Preserve, known for its flat wetland trails.

What kind of routes are in Baltimore Canyon Open Space Preserve?

Baltimore Canyon Open Space Preserve offers over 160 routes through redwood groves and diverse woodlands. The terrain is varied, providing options for hiking, jogging, and mountain biking. There are more than 60 designated hiking trails and over 30 routes suitable for mountain biking within the preserve.

Are there cycling routes in Horse Hill Open Space Preserve?

Horse Hill Open Space Preserve provides routes for multiple cycling disciplines. It contains over 20 road cycling routes and nearly 20 mountain bike trails across its rolling hills and oak woodlands. In total, the preserve features more than 150 routes for various activities.

What can I do at Old Saint Hilary's Open Space Preserve?

Old Saint Hilary'S Open Space Preserve has over 130 multi-use routes with expansive bay views. Activities include hiking, with over 40 trails available, as well as road cycling and mountain biking. The preserve's varied terrain is suitable for jogging and touring bicycle rides.

How many hiking trails are available in these protected areas?

This collection includes thousands of hiking trails across more than 100 protected areas in the United States. For example, King Mountain Open Space Preserve alone offers nearly 50 distinct hiking trails. Many areas also feature routes suitable for trail running and jogging.

Are there family-friendly or easy routes available?

Yes, many preserves offer routes suitable for various fitness levels. For instance, Ravenswood Open Space Preserve is known for its flat, accessible trails through coastal wetlands, making it a good option for easier walks and bike rides. The collection also includes a guide to Easy hikes in the United States of America.

What is the difference between Protected Areas and National Parks?

"Protected Area" is a broad term that includes many types of managed land, such as the open space preserves featured on this page. National Parks are a specific, high-profile designation within that category. For information focused specifically on National Parks, see the National Parks in United States page.

Are dogs allowed in these protected areas?

Regulations regarding dogs vary by the specific protected area and the managing authority. While some trails and preserves may permit dogs, often on a leash, others may have restrictions to protect wildlife and habitats. It is essential to check the local rules for each specific location before visiting with a pet.

What are the trail options at Briar Summit Open Space Preserve?

Briar Summit Open Space Preserve features over 110 routes with views of Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean. The preserve offers nearly 40 hiking trails and over 20 road cycling routes. Its diverse terrain also includes options for jogging and mountain biking.

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